What does Simon do?
Between 12 midnight and 3am on Saturday 2 April teams of volunteers and staff from the Simon Community counted people sleeping rough in areas of Camden, Westminster, Southwark, Islington, Kensington and Chelsea, Lambeth, Tower Hamlets and the City of London. 300 people were found to be sleeping rough in central London.
82 hostels for homeless people were telephoned immediately prior to the count and only 8 bedspaces were available.
There are a number of different reasons why certain people are unable to access housing benefits. These include the following: UK citizens who have recently returned from living abroad (failing the Habitual Residency Test); European Union citizens who have recently moved to the UK (failing the Habitual Residency Test); European Union citizens from certain eastern European recent Accession countries; other people whose immigration status is unclear.
As a result of the widespread introduction of charging for services in most central London Day Centres those without benefits are now unable to access free food or the other services and support which were previously available to them. Alongside other Soup Run providers the Simon Community continues its programme of regular runs providing free food for homeless and destitute people on the streets in central London. For more information about the work of The Simon Community please consult our website: www.simoncommunity.org.uk
SOME QUESTIONS ANSWERED
Why do people become homeless?
The theory underlying our work is that many people end up on the streets as a result of damaging life experiences and have difficulty making relationships work. They often have unrealistic expectations of themselves, other people and social structures. We therefore believe that helping people move forward from homelessness and the social exclusion that accompanies it is not just about providing accommodation. It must include helping people build stable relationships and achieve a sense of belonging. Hence the importance of working as a community.
Why do some people choose to sleep rough when there are hostels? Surviving life as a homeless person on the streets of London leaves little time for thinking of a way out. Finding food and shelter, avoiding violence, coping with ill health and loneliness can take all of a person’s energies. A bed in a traditional hostel will provide temporary comfort, but it alone is not the answer. For some, hostel rules and regulations can contribute to their sense of powerlessness. For others, bad experiences of hostel life have led them to prefer to take their own chances on the street. Should I give to beggars?
Whether or not you give to beggars is an entirely personal choice. What may be more important is to consider that many homeless people have not had any positive human contact for some time and they are likely to be feeling vulnerable, isolated and ignored. Remember that they are people just like you and at least take the time to acknowledge their presence.
Campaigning
Simon also has a long history of being a campaigning body and we aim to draw the attention of the government and the public to issues concerning homeless people everywhere. In particular, Simon uses its independence to speak out publicly on issues affecting homeless and rootless people, when other service providers might feel constrained by their funding relationships.
Independence
Simon has worked hard to maintain its status as an independent organisation and will not enter into any financial or contractual arrangements that might unduly limit or inhibit its ability to campaign on behalf of those we seek to support and assist.
Independence does not, however, mean isolation and Simon consults with other service providers and with local and central government agencies wherever this is of benefit to people who are homeless and rootless.
What does the church do?
For the last few years we have given our harvest produce to the Simon Community in Malden Road. They gratefully receive tinned and packet food, toothpaste, toothbrushes, soap etc. The food will need to be delivered after the 25th and offers of help from drivers [and also from people able to come and help load/unload the cars] will be warmly welcomed.
Material for this article was taken from the website of the Simon Community Information
The Simon Community